This is my 3rd Dean. The best handling hardtail in my opinion. The exo-grid has the laser cut-outs on the top and down tubes. Carbon fiber is inserted inside the titanium tubes. It adds to the ride quality and stiffness of the frame. It also has a coolness factor. The plan was only to make about 13 of these frames. I was lucky enough to get one. Titus used this type of tubing a couple years back before they were sold to a new owner. I had a titanium Racer-X Exo-Grid. Sometimes it's a personal preference. I'm looking forward to finishing this bike and doing a lot of riding. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)